Hampshire College

Dear Returning from Leave Student,

This letter contains housing information for the Fall 2008 term. Please keep in mind that, as a residential college, we expect all students to live on campus.  If you had a housing exemption prior to going on leave, you need to re-apply for off campus before your return if you still need to live off campus.   This year, we predict a shortage of beds and expect to offer housing exemptions to students who will be over the age of 22 (as of September first) and/or students with six or more lottery points.  This offer will be given on a first-come, first-served basis through April 11 or until we have enough responses to meet our needs.   Keep in mind that we currently have many students living off campus and the predicted bed shortage for the fall may be minimal.  Your Housing Preference Form needs to be completed and returned by April 18, 2008. You need also to furnish the name of a student (on campus) who will be responsible for picking up your lottery point letter from the Housing Office.  Returning this form after this date will limit your housing options and could eliminate your ability to be assigned a room on campus.  Please take the time to carefully read and completely answer each question.  Missing information may result in assignments that are less satisfactory.  Options for change after the term begins are small.  Assignments will be e-mailed about one week before the term begins.

It is best that students currently on leave house themselves through the campus wide lottery which will be held this April.  Please check out our web site for further lottery information.  Groups of students may include you as part of their group and your lottery points will be added to their group’s sum. Therefore, it’s critical that you return this form prior to April 18 and also submit your declaration of intent form.  Missing this deadline will put you in the “Not Heard From” category and thus, ineligible to participate in the housing process.  After the mod lottery, assignments will be made by the Director of Housing Operations, using the information you provide on the Housing Preference Form.  Mods will not be able to input you after the mod lottery.

Please note that several of our housing areas are filled through an application process.  Students who want to live in one of our “identity-based” mods (women of color, students of color, or queer) must fill out an application.  Other specially designated mods that require an application are:  the kosher mod, international students mod, allergen reduced space, the greenhouse mod and substance free living areas.  Please be in touch with the Central Housing Office by April 4 if you wish to apply to live in any of these specially designated areas.  If you want to apply to create a new identity-based mod, the application essay, describing the importance of such a space is due March 27 and needs at least five committed signers who would live there.

Be aware that every effort will be made to accommodate your requests but that space may be limited and we may not have enough mod singles for everyone.  For many students returning from leave, the choice will be between a single in the dorms (with the carte blanche meal plan) or sharing a double in a mod.  Please prioritize your preferences on the Housing Preference Form.

Returning from leave students are scheduled to arrive on campus Monday, September 1.  Please plan accordingly as requests to arrive earlier cannot be accommodated!

Please feel free to contact the Central Housing Office with any questions or concerns regarding your housing options, the Housing Preference Form, deadlines or procedures at (413) 559-5543 or at lmollison@hampshire.edu.  Information may also be faxed to (413) 559-5663.  The Housing Preference Form and other correspondence should be addressed to the Director of Housing Operations, Box MH, HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE, Amherst, MA 01002-5001.   Hope to see you in the Fall!

Sincerely,
     
Linda Mollison
Director of Housing Operations

PLEASE RETURN THE HOUSING PREFERENCE FORM BY APRIL 18, 2008